SRSG Spehar joins PeacePlayers International - Cyprus for basketball match at Ledra Palace Hotel

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6 May 2017

SRSG Spehar joins PeacePlayers International - Cyprus for basketball match at Ledra Palace Hotel

NICOSIA, 6 May 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Cyprus & Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, today spent time with PeacePlayers International - Cyprus, enjoying a presentation of the organisation's activities, and later in the afternoon cheering on the youth as they played basketball.

The SRSG was inspired by the strong bonds formed between youth from across the island as a result of their participation in PeacePlayers International-Cyprus, which, beyond basketball, also teaches leadership and other key life skills, and fosters trust-building. She reaffirmed UNFICYP's continued support for the important contribution of the organisation to building a culture of peace in Cyprus.

PeacePlayers International is a basketball initiative that grew from two brothers coaching Catholic and Protestant children in Northern Ireland, to a multi-country programme molding young leaders and breaking down barriers between communities on three continents.

PeacePlayers International began working in Cyprus in 2006, bringing Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot children and teens together to play basketball, but also to break stereotypes, forge inter-communal friendships and build leadership skills.